American composer Alan Hovhaness (b. 1911, Somerville, Mass.) has successfully combined Eastern and Western music to produce unique works both exotic and immediately accessable. Incorporating music reflecting his Armenian heritage with procedures common in Medieval and pre-Baroque Western music, Hovhaness has produced an enormous catalogue of works after destroying his first thousand pieces which he regarded as learning pieces. This program, including an interview with the composer by Charles Amirkhanian recorded in late 1975, introduces both early and late compositions:

Mihr, for two pianos
Invocations to Vahaken IV and V (piano and percussion)
Komitas: Yerangi
And God Created Great Whales (tape and orchestra)
October Mountain, percussion ensemble
Khaldis Concerto for 4 Trumpets, Piano and Percussion (1st movement)
Symphony No. 15, "Silver Pilgrimmage"
Anahid, for chamber orchestra

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